A tone shift refers to a noticeable change in the attitude, mood, or tone of a piece of writing. It occurs when there is a distinct transition from one emotional state or perspective to another.
Think of a tone shift as a sudden change in weather. Just as the atmosphere can shift from sunny and cheerful to stormy and gloomy, a tone shift in writing alters the emotional climate and can evoke different feelings in readers.
Mood: Mood refers to the overall feeling or atmosphere created by a literary work. It is often influenced by elements such as setting, language, and tone.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is when an author hints at future events or outcomes within their narrative. It prepares readers for potential shifts in tone or plot developments.
Irony: Irony involves using language that signifies the opposite of what is actually meant. It can contribute to unexpected shifts in tone by creating tension between expectation and reality.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.